Cooling system for engines



at 31, 1935 v. ROSENQVIST 1 9 9 I COOLING SYSTEM FOR ENGINES 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 25, 1952 @ct H, 1935. v. RosENcjvlsT zgmgwg COOLING SYSTEM FOR ENGINES Filed Oct. 275, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ORNEY Patented Oct. 1, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COOLING SYSTEM FOR ENGINES Viktor Rosenqvist, Bryn Athyn, Pa.

Application October 25, 1932, Serial No. 639,419

9 Claims.

This invention relates to temperature control or cooling systems for engines and is especially useful in prevention of freezing of liquid temperature-controlling systems for engines or power plants.

In considering the nature, objects and advantages of the invention, the following more or less general comments should first be noted, these ,comments being directed, by way of example, to "conditions encountered in operation of engines and their cooling systems as commonly employed in the automotive industry.

In automobiles having liquid-cooled internal combustion engines, the cooling system ordinarily includes a plurality of passages or the like in close proximity to the engine cylinders and a radiator subject to the flow of air across its tubes or exposed surfaces, the engine passages and radiator being interconnected to provide for the circulation of a cooling medium, usually Water,

in a continuous circuit.

The radiators, of course, are designed for efficient transfer of heat fromthe cooling wateror other liquid to the air passing over the tubes and surfaces thereof. Ordinarily, such radiators inclucle a multiplicity of fine tubes or passages in order to provide for maximum surface exposure and thus rapid and efficient heat transfer. In view of this fact, when the atmospheric temperature drops below the freezing point, water in the cooling system freezes, especially in the radiator, at a very rapid rate.

To overcome this difficulty, many automobile ..users resort to a diiierent cooling liquid in cold weather or winter, the said liquids having freezing. points somewhat below that of water. As examples, alcohol or glycerine might be mentioned and also liquid compounds of various characteristics containing so-called anti-freeze materials. However, a number of very serious difiiculti'es and disadvantages arise when following this procedure. Since the normal temperatures at which the average internal combustion engine operates are quite high, alcohol will boil away very. rapidly. On the other hand, liquidcooling compounds, in addition to being relatively expensive, are well known to be undesirable for a variety of reasons including corrosive effect in the cooling system, clogging of pipes, passages and connections, rotting out of rubber joints or connections, where these are employed, and leakage through even the most minute hole which maybe present in the system.

Other arrangements which are sometimes resorted to in an effort to avoid freezing of automobile radiators include the use of metallic shields or shutters for at least a portion of the radiator. Additionally, some automobile users commonly employ a blanket, or other similar covering, thrown over the radiator in an effort 5 to partially restrict the rate at which the heat will be lost.

The present invention, considered in a general way, has in mind eliminating all of the foregoing difficulties and disadvantages by the use of a rela- 10' tively simple, inexpensive and yet eifective de-. vice or mechanism the details of which will be considered more fully hereinafter.

Somewhat more specifically, this invention contemplates the transfer of the cooling liquid from 15" the cooling system into-a supplementary or auxiliary receptacle or reservoir when the engine is not in operation. While it maynot be essential in all cases, the preferred arrangement contemplates the use of a receptacle which is thermally 20 insulated in order to restrict the rate of heat transfer therefrom as much as possible. In any event, it will be observed that in accordance with this invention, instead of leaving the cooling liquid in the cooling system which is designed to 25 provide efficient heat transfer therefrom (asin the multiplicity of passages or tubes ordinarily provided in the radiator), the cooling liquid is transferred to a receptacle or reservoir adapted to receive the liquid in a single body or, What 30 might be termed, in bulk. In other words, instead of having the water or other cooling liquid distributed throughout a multiplicity of passages, connections and the like, it is collected in a single vessel, with the result that its heat is dissipated 35 much more slowly.

In this Way, even though the receptacle is not provided with any material thermal insulation, the loss of heat from water or liquid therein will be retarded to such an extent that it may stand 40 even in relatively cold weather for substantial periods of time without freezing.

Still another important object of the invention is involved in at least partially maintaining the. temperature of the water or other cooling liquid 45 when the engine is not in operation, so that the retained heat aids in warming up the engine when it is again started.

The invention, in addition, provides means preferably automatically operative upon starting 50 t of the engine for returning the cooling liquid from the auxiliary or supplemental reservoir to the cooling system.

A further and still. more detailed object of the v invention is involved in the use of differential 56' pressure conditions set up by normal engine operation for eifecting the transfer of liquid between the receptacle and the cooling system proper. By way of example, I contemplate utilizing either the increased pressure of the exhaust from the engine or the decreased pressure of the intake manifold to effect a transfer of liquid between the cooling system and the receptacle at least in one direction. 1

'How theforegoing objects and advantages are attained, together with others which will occur to thoseskilled in the art, will be more apparent from a consideration of the following description making reference to'the accompanying drawings,

in which- I Figure 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic side view of the forward portion of an automotive vehicle,

showing the engine, the radiator, and the equipment of the present invention applied thereto;

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, with certain parts omitted, and with a modified auxiliary receptacle structure associated therewith;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 but showing a still further modified arrangement; and

Figure 4 is a materially enlarged, fragmentary i detail of aportion of the structure shown in Figure 3.

* Referring first to Figure l, the outline of the vehicle body is indicated at 5 in dot and dash lines. A front wheel is also suggested in dot and dash lines at 6. An engine of the multi-cylinder and piston internal combustion type is shown at ll and, while many devices or parts of the engine have been omitted for the sake of clarity, it should be observed that in this view the intake manifold is illustrated at 8. A radiator is shown at 9 and provided withconnections it and I i from upper and lower portions thereof, respectively, extended to upper and lower portions of the engine block in "which the water or liquid circulating passages are normally formed. The connection H, of course, may also include a circulating pump I 2 which may be driven as by the shaft it in accordance with any desired and well known manner. The cooling medium such as water is preferably circulated between the engine and the radiator in a direction'to cause flow from the former to the latter through the connection H up through the radiator and thence back into 5Q the engine block through connection i 0.

reasons which will appear more fully'hereinafter, Ialso prefer to arrange the pump for automatic drainage with theremainder of the radiation system.

In accordance with the present invention, I provide, either as an attachment for existing cars or the'like or as a piece of equipment to be built into the car at the time of its manufacture, a reservoir or receptacle it. While this receptacle .may be'disposed in substantially any desired relation with respect to the engine and radiator or other parts of the vehicle, I prefer to locate the receptacle below the lowest point of the entire water or liquid circulating system, as at the bot- 5 -,tom of the radiator 9. A connection 15 is extended between a lower portion of the circulation system and a lower portion of the'receptacle It as clearly shown in Figure .1 and, if desired, a drain cook it rnay be included for use when it is desired to completely drain the cooling medium from .the'circulation system as well as from the supplementary reservoir. An additional connection ll communicates with an upper portion of thecirculationsystem, preferably near the top of '75;;the lradiator, and also-with the receptacle I l atv For a point above the point of communication of the pipe 15. The reason for this arrangement will be brought out more fully hereinafter. The receptacle it has a third opening therein which 7 may be provided with an open ended and down- 5 turned vent pipe 18.

At this time it should also be noted that the pipe ll communicates with the radiatorat a point above the connection IE! but preferably just below the suction line i9 which is extended from 10 the intake manifold 8.

To consider the operation of the arrangement described, assume that the engine 1 is standing idle. At this time, the liquid or water in the circulation system, which is constituted by the pas- 15 .sages in the engine 1 and the radiator 9, flows downwardly by the action of gravity through the pipe l5 into the receptacle it. The vent pipe [8,

of course, permits exhaust of air from the receptacle during this operation. When the engine is 20 started, the pressure reduction in the cylinder intake connections and the associated manifold 8 also reduces the pressure in the radiator and cooling system with the result that air at atmospheric pressure entering the vent pipe it causes the wa- 25 ter or liquid now in receptacle M to flow back into the circulation system through pipes 15 and IT. This return flow continues until the level of the water in receptacle it recedes below the pointof communication of the pipe Ii, at which time the 30 7 reduced pressure in the upper portion of the radiator is satisfied or compensated for by the bypassing of airinto the receptacle through vent pipe i8 and thence through pipe I! to the upper portion of the radiator. 35;

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the capacity of the receptacle, Hi from the top thereof downwardly to the plane in which the connection I"! enters the vessel is preferably substantially equal to the normal cit-.40 pacity of the cooling system and, when so constructed, it will be seen that when it is desired to replenish or fill the circulation system, this may be done by admitting water or other cooling liquid until overflow through the pipe l8 takes 45;

place. By so constructing the equipment, there-- fore, it not only serves the other purposes hereinbefore referred to but further acts as a gauge for the quantity of cooling liquid placed in the system. 7 5

Before proceeding with a discussion of Figures 2 and 4 inclusive, it should be noted that the introduction of water may conveniently be had as by the usual radiator cap or closure 20 or the like. It is also to be observed that, as herein- 55 before brought out, it is preferable to provide the receptacle I4 with some thermal insulation, this being shown in Figure 1 at 2| as a heat in-! sulating covering which may be formed of as- V bestos or any similar lagging m'aterial. 0

The arrangement of Figure 2 is similar in some respects tothat of Figure 1. In this instance, however, I have illustrated an engine 1a having. an exhaust manifold 22 associated with its cylinder exhaust connections; The radiator 9a, of 5 course, is again coupled to the engine block by means of connections Illa, Ila and pump I20.

Here, again, a receptacle or auxiliary reservoir 55a is disposed below the circulation system and the bottom of the receptacle is connected by pipe 0 l5a with the bottom of the radiator 9a. .A corresponding connection Ila is also provided and extended between an upper portion of the radiator and thereceptacle Ma at a point above' 'thepoint of communication of pipe l5a. In

marked contrast to the arrangement of. Figure,

1, however, I have extended a vent pipe 23 from the radiator, preferably at a point above the point of communication of pipe Ila, this vent being desirably extended downwardly to discharge at a low point, as beneath the engine la. Another feature in marked contrast tothe arrangement of Figure 1 is involved in the use of a pressure connection 24 which is extended. between the exhaust manifold orits associated connections and top of vessel I ia.

While, in many respects, the operation of the arrangement in Figure 2 is quite similar to. that described above in connection with Figure 1, it should be noted that the transfer of water from the receptacle Ma to the cooling system is effected by virtue of a pressure greater than atmospheric derived from the exhaust manifold or connections and delivered to the top of the auxiliary vessel. Thus, when the engine stops, the water flows by gravity through pipe l5a into the container Ma and upon starting, the water is forced back up into the cooling system through connections 15a and Ila until the level recedes below the point of communication of pipe Ha. At this time, the exhaust pressure and gases are bypassed through pipe Ila upwardly to the upper portion of the radiator and therefrom exhausted through pipe 23 for discharge below the engine or at any desired point which will avoid the flow of any exhaust gases to the interior of the vehicle. It will be observed, therefore, that while I may employ the exhaust gases for delivering the cool- 1 in the intake manifold.

Still another feature of considerable importance which is shown in Figure 2 is the use of a thermos or double walled vacuum vessel or receptacle as the auxiliary reservoir for the cooling liquid. As illustrated in Figure 2, the inner vessel Ma is surrounded by an additional wall 25, the space between the walls preferably being at least partially exhausted to provide a high degree of thermal insulation. It will be understood,

of course, that this type of receptacle may be employed either in the systems of Figures 1 and 3 or in any other desired arrangement.

Turning now to the showing in Figures 3 and 4 and considering Figure 3 first, the engine. lb

shown therein (as in Figure 1) is provided with an intake manifold 81) and the normal circulation system again includes a radiator 9b, connections lb and lib, and pump l2b. This modification, however, employs a somewhat simplified system, especially as to the number of pipe connections employed. A vessel or receptacle 26 having suitable insulation or lagging 26a, is disposed below the circulation or radiation system and connected by means of pipe 2'! in a manner similar to the preceding arrangements. This vessel is also equipped with a vent pipe 28 at the top thereof having a down-turned open end to avoid ingress of dirt.

The suction connection 29 which is extended from the intake manifold 8b is preferably projected into the radiator in an upper portion thereof as clearly shown in Figure 3, and is therein connected with an annular valve chamber or member 30 centrally apertured to receive the substantially cylindrical valve 3l The valve 3-lmay suitably be formed open at top and bottom and is apertured at 32 so that upon vertical displacement of the valve the apertures may move into and out of registry with the annular chamber 30. To control the operation of the valve I prefer to employ a float 33, constructed either of cork or the like or formed of a hollow receptacle,

the said float being connected with the valve as by means-of a stem 34 and the spider 35.

A further important feature is shown in the arrangement of Figure 3. This includes a small heating element such as an electrical coil 36 disposed within the auxiliary reservoir or receptacle, the said heating coil deriving energy from a battery diagrammatically indicated at 31 which, as will readily be understood, may be either the battery normally carried by the car or any other suitable source of E. M. F. A switch 38 serves to make and break the heating circuit 39.

In the operation in the arrangement last referred to, the water or other cooling liquid again flows. by the action of gravity from the circulating system into the receptacle 26 when the engine lb is not in operation. At this time, of course, the valve 3! and its float 33 will drop to a position in which the apertures 32 register with the annular cavity 30. When the engine is started, the pressure is reduced in the radiation system by means of the connection 29 and air at atmospheric pressure enters the vent pipe 28 and forces the water back up into the circulation system until the level thereof rises toa predetermined point, for example, as suggested by the line :n-:r in Figures 3. and 4, at which time the float is raised to close the valve 3! and thus shut off the suction line 25. t will be apparent, of course, that if the water has any tendency to recede during engine operation, the valve will immediately be opened and the tendency thus counteracted.

With regard to the arrangement of Figures 3 40. 5

and l, it should be noted that this system is of especial advantagesince it permits utilization of the reduced pressure normally present in the intake. manifold, but further provides for closure of the connection to this manifold when the water has been raised sufficiently to provide for normal circulation.

From the foregoing discussion, it will be seen that, in its broader aspect, the invention has in mind the transfer of the liquid, normally employed for cooling the engine, out of its normal path of circulation and into a vessel which is preferably thermally insulated. Furthermore, this is accomplished in such manner that the operation is entirely automatic not only as regards the transfer of the cooling liquid in the direction just referred to, but also in the opposite direction when the engine is again started.

By the use of my invention, automotive vehicles and the like may readily be permitted to stand for relatively long periods of time, even at quite low temperatures, without material danger of freezing. In the event that the receptacle does freeze, furthermore, it should be noted that this would cause much less expensive and troublesome damage than is normally encountered in the freezing of the liquid in the engine itself or the rad ator. This frequently splits the engine block or destroys the radiator beyond repair.

Further advantages flowing from use of the present invention include very quick heating up of the engine upon starting, even in extremely cold weather. Since the transfer of cooling water or liquid from the receptacle to the radiation system takes place just as soon as the engine turns .over, even very slowly as by a starter, the heat retained, under many circumstances, is of considerable eifect in warming up the engine. Indeed, I have found that with some arrangements complete transfer of the liquid to the radi ation system may be effected Within 30 seconds.

or less.

The use of the auxiliary or supplemental storage means for the cooling liquid, especially when arranged in accordance with the showing of Fig ure 3, may serve an additionaluseful purpose in providing an extra or surplus water supply. In other words, the receptacle may be made of larger capacity than that of the cooling system and,

" with the arrangement specifically referred to, this .appliance or attachment, in which case the appliance would include preferably a heat insulated receptacle and the piping or conduits necessary to make the desired connections, in accordance with the particular arrangement adopted.

I claim:-.

1 In combination with an internal combustion engine and a water cooling radiator associated therewith to constitute a cooling system for the engine, a receptacle for receiving the water normally employed in the cooling system, said recep cle being disposed therebelow and having conduit means interconnecting a lower portion thereof with a lower portion of said system, whereby cooling water may flow by the action'of ligravity from the cooling system into said receptacle, additional condm't means communicating with an upper portion of the cooling system and with saidreceptacle at a point above the level of the point of communication of the first con- ..duit means with the receptacle, said receptacle having an opening in an upper portion thereof communicating with the atmosphere, and pneumatic means including a suction line connected with an upper portion of said system, whereby,

"' under the influence of reduced pressure in an upper portion of the'cooling system, atmospheric pressure to which the water in the receptacle is subject through said opening in an upper portion thereof, transfers water from said receptacle to the cooling system through both of said conduit means until the level of water in the receptacle recedes below the point of communication of said 7 second mentioned conduit means with the recep tacle, whereupon-reduction of pressure in an up per portion of the cooling system is compensated for by flow of air under atmospheric pressure into said opening in an upper portion of the receptacle, and through the second mentioned conduit means to the said upper portion of the cooling system. r

2. In combination with an internal combustion engine and a water cooling radiator associated engine, a receptacle for receiving the water northerewith to constitute a cooling system for the mally employed in the cooling system, said receptacle being disposed therebelow and having conduit means interconnecting a lower portion thereof with a lower portion of said system,

.whereby cooling water may flow by the action of gravity from the cooling system into said receptacle, additional conduit means communicating with an upper portion of the cooling system and with the receptacle at a point above the point of communication of the first conduit means, the cooling system further being provided with an opening in an upper portion thereof communicating with the atmosphere, and pneumatic.

with an internal combustion engine and a liquid 20 cooling system therefor, of a receptacle adapted, to receive at least a major portion of the liquid normally employed in the cooling system, a connection extended between said system and said receptacle and communicating with the former at a point adjacent the bottomthereof and with said receptacle adjacent the bottom thereof, a second connection extended between said system and said receptacle and communicatingwith the system and with the receptacle at a point above the point of communication of the first connec-. tion, and pneumatic means associated with said system and said receptacle adjacent to the top of I each, the pneumatic means being constructed and arranged to provide increased pressure above the liquid in the, receptacle as compared with the pressure adjacent the top of said system, whereby to effect transfer of the liquid from said receptacle to said system through both of said connec-. tions until the level of the liquid in the receptacle drops below the point of communication of the second connection with the receptacle whereupon the said second mentioned connection serves as a fluid pressure by-pass and arrests further transfer of liquid from the receptacle to said system.

4. For an automotive vehicle, the combination with an internal combustion engine and a liquid cooling system'therefor, of a receptacle posi tioned at least in large part below the bottom of said system and adapted to receive at least a major portion of the liquid normally employed in the cooling system, a connection extended between said system and said receptacle and communicating withthe former at a point adjacent the bottom thereof and with said receptacle adjacent the bottom thereofwhereby to provide for the flow of liquid from said system to the recep-' tacle by the action of gravity, a second connection 7 1 extended between said system and said receptacle and communicating with the systemand with the receptacle at a point above the point of communi--' cation of the first connection, and pneumatic means associated with said system and said receptacle adjacent to the top of each, thepneumatic means being constructed and arranged to provide increased pressure above the liquid in the receptacle ascompared with the pressure adjacent the top of said system, whereby to effect transfer, of the liquid from said receptacle to fluid pressure by-pass and arrests further transfer of liquid from the receptacle to said system.

5. For an automotive vehicle, the combination with an internal combustion engine and a liquid cooling system therefor, of a receptacle adapted to receive at least a major portion of the liquid normally employed in the cooling system, a connection extended between said system and said receptacle and communicating with the former at a point adjacent the bottom thereof and with said receptacle adjacent the bottom thereof, pneumatic means associated with said system and said receptacle adjacent to the top of each, the pneumatic means being constructed and arranged to provide increased pressure above the liquid in the receptacle as compared with the pressure adjacent the top of said system, whereby to effect transfer of the liquid from said receptacle to said system, and fluid pressure by-pass means communicating with the receptacle and said system and adapted to by-pass fluid pressure from the former to the latter upon a predetermined transfer of liquid from the receptacle to the system.

6. In combination with an internal combustion engine and a liquid cooling system associated therewith, a receptacle for receiving at least a major portion of the liquid normally employed in the cooling system, conduit means interconnecting a lower portion of said system with a lower portion of said receptacle and providing for transfer of liquid from the system to the receptacle, additional conduit means communicating with said cooling system andwith said receptacle at a point above the level at which the first conduit means communicates with the receptacle, said receptacle having an opening in an upper portion thereof communicating with the atmosphere, and pneumatic means including a suction line connected with an upper portion of said system, whereby, under the influence of reduced pressure in an upper portion of the cooling system, atmospheric pressure to which the liquid in the receptacle is subject through said opening in an upper portion thereof, transfers liquid from said receptacle to the cooling system through both of said conduit means until the level of liquid in the receptacle recedes below the point of communication of the second mentioned ,conduit means with the receptacle, whereupon reduction of pressure in an upper portion of the cooling system is compensated for by flow of air under atmospheric pressure into said opening in an upper portion of the receptacle, and through the second mentioned conduit means to the said upper portion of the cooling system.

7 In combination with an internal combustion engine and a liquid cooling system associated therewith, a receptacle for receiving at least a major portion of the liquid normally employed in said system, conduit means interconnecting a lower portion of said system with a lower portion of said receptacle and adapted to transfer liquid from the system to the receptacle, additional conduit means communicating with said cooling system and with the receptacle at a point above the communication of the first conduit means, the system further being provided with an opening in an upper portion thereof communieating with atmosphere, and pneumatic means including a pressure connection communicating with said receptacle in an upper portion thereof, whereby liquid may be transferred by pneumatic pressure from the receptacle through both of said conduit means to the cooling system until the level thereof recedes below the point of communication of the conduit means second mentioned with the receptacle, whereby the pressure 5 medium is by-passed through the second mentioned conduit means and discharged from the cooling system through said opening in an upper portion thereof.

8. In combination with an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold or connection and a liquid cooling system associated therewith,

a receptacle for receiving at least a major portion of the liquid normally employed in the cooling system, conduit means interconnecting a lower portion of said system with a lower portion of said receptacle and providing for transfer of liquid from the system to the receptacle, additional conduit means communicating with said cooling system and with said receptacle at a point above the level at which the first conduit means communicates with the receptacle, said receptacle having an opening in an upper portion thereof communicating with the atmosphere, and pneumatic means including a suction line 5 interconnecting said manifold and an upper portion of the cooling system, whereby, under the influence of reduced pressure in an upper portion of the cooling system, atmospheric pressure to which the liquid in the receptacle is subject through said opening in an upper portion thereof, transfers liquid from said receptacle to the cooling system through both of said conduit means until the level of liquid in the receptacle recedes below the point of communication of the second mentioned conduit means with the receptacle, whereupon reduction of pressure in an upper portion of the cooling system is compensated for by flow of air under atmospheric pressure into said opening in an upper portion of the recep- 40 tacle, and through the second mentioned conduit means to the said upper portion of the cooling system.

9. In combination with an internal combustion engine having a cylinder exhaust connection and a liquid cooling system associated therewith,

a receptacle for receiving at least a major portion of the liquid normally employed in said system, conduit means interconnecting a lower portion of said system with a lower portion of said receptacle and adapted to transfer liquid from the system to the receptacle, additional conduit means communicating with saidoooling system and with the receptacle at a point above the communication of the first conduit means, the system further being provided with an opening in an upper portion thereof communicating with atmosphere, and pneumatic means including a pressure line interconnecting said exhaust connection and an upper portion of the receptacle, whereby liquid may be transferred by pneumatic pressure from the receptacle through both of said conduit means to the cooling system until the level thereof recedes below the point of communication of the conduit means second mentioned with the receptacle, whereby the pressure medium is by-passed through the second mentioned conduit means and discharged from the cooling system through said opening in an upper portion thereof.

VIKTOR ROSENKVIST. 

